Principal Investigator Ian Hunter
Co-investigators Lynette Jones , Serge R LaFontaine , Nora Hogan
The objective is to create a new class of actuators that, like muscle, harness molecular deformations to generate meso- and macroscopic force and displacement. We are designing Conducting Polymers which undergo large conformation changes in response to electrically or chemically induced changes in oxidation state.
Conducting polymers offer a diversity and range of material properties matched only in protein-based life. They can be employed to fabricate chemical, mechanical and optical sensors, actuators, LEDs, transistors, batteries, super-capacitors, structural elements and fibers. From these components it is possible to construct entire devices using just one class of materials, as well as just one fabrication process.